Banner Year for Professional Excellence in APS

Posted December 10, 2025, 10:50 AM. Updated December 11, 2025, 11:36 AM.

District celebrates 53 new National Board Certified teachers, making it the No. 2 district nationally for this prestigious achievement.

Fifty-three Albuquerque Public Schools teachers learned this week that they achieved National Board Certification in 2025, underscoring the district’s commitment to educational excellence.

“This is the largest number we have certified in one year ever, making us the No. 2 district in the nation,” said Andrea Quintana, professional development coordinator in the Office of Innovation. “We have had a wonderful fall supporting new candidates and look forward to continuing our work in the spring.”

National Board Certification, offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, is a highly respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers, the certification process involves a rigorous, standards-based assessment that evaluates teaching practice through four components: Content Knowledge, Differentiation in Instruction, Teaching Practice and Learning Environment, and Effective and Reflective Practitioner.

Achieving this certification signifies a teacher's commitment to excellence and continuous professional growth. The 53 APS teachers earning that certification are:

Ashley Baca, Exceptional Needs, Collet Park Elementary
Randi Banach, Math, Albuquerque High School
Denelle Britton Linebarger, Literacy, East San Jose Elementary
Estefanai Bryant, Counseling, West Mesa High School
Karla Bush, Science, College & Career High School
Austin Campbell, English Language Arts, Albuquerque High School
Veronica Castiblanco, Early Childhood Generalist, Emerson Elementary
Shirley Chavez, Literacy, Bellehaven Elementary
Chase Clark, PE, Tomasita Elementary
Vanely Cordova, Exceptional Needs, Valley High School
Jessica Dawson, Literacy, Title 1
Priscilla Del Aguila, Social Studies, Rio Grande High School
Rachel Dennis, Social Studies, Eisenhower Middle School
Michelle Douglas, Math, Volcano Vista High School
Alexandra Duran, Literacy, Comanche Elementary
Michelle Esteves, Literacy, John Baker Elementary
Jillian Evans, Counseling, Eisenhower Middle School
Jurgen Filemon, Exceptional Needs, Pajarito Elementary
Russell Friedman, World Languages, Highland High School
John Garletts, English Language Arts, Volcano Vista High School
Brian Gatsch, English Language Arts, Cibola High School
Jessica Gill, Literacy, Title 1
Josephine Gonzales, Music, Highland High School
Dawn Goodman, English Language Arts, Eisenhower Middle School
Meredith Griffin, Counseling, Double Eagle Elementary
Chelsea Gros, Literacy, Sombra Del Monte Elementary
Laura Gryder, Literacy, Susie Rayos Marmon Elementary
Teresa Jaramillo, Literacy, Navajo Elementary
Nicholas Kadlec, Counseling, Bel-Air Elementary
Jessica Mandell, Math, Cibola High School
Jenna Minner, Literacy, Bandelier Elementary
Joanna Miranda, Literacy, Navajo Elementary
Abigail Morehead, Social Studies, Polk Middle School
Carson Morris, Library, Albuquerque High School
Monica Ogelsby, Library, West Mesa High School
Sean Ottmer, Exceptional Needs, Rio Grande High School
Melanie Pittarelli, Literacy, Mitchell Elementary
Brian Rice, Exceptional Needs, Susie Rayos Marmon Elementary
Sheldon Richards, Art, Eldorado High School
Amy Richardson, Literacy, Dolores Gonzales Elementary
Flor Rodriguez-Graham, English-New Language, Kit Carson Elementary
Dawn Romero, Early Childhood Generalist, Mark Twain Elementary
Megan Sabella, Exceptional Needs, Manzano High School
Rebecca Sanborn, Early Childhood Generalist, Sombra Del Monte
Kassondra Sosa, Exceptional Needs, Arroyo Del Oso Elementary
Christopher Speck, Science, Madison Middle School
Kierstin Steiner, Math, Eisenhower Middle School
Milagro Togoni, Literacy, East San Jose Elementary
Jonice Tovar, English-New Language, Rio Grande High School
Gabriela Vasquez, Early Childhood Generalist, Rudolfo Anaya Elementary
Patricia Wagner, English Language Arts, Volcano Vista High School
Christina Young, Music, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School
Angela Zamarripa, Early Childhood Generalist, Lavaland Elementary